Program Description

The Creative Writing MFA offers a workshop-intensive program in fiction, literary nonfiction, and poetry, emphasizing the art and craft of literary writing and concentrating on the student’s written work.

The MFA program emphasizes the study of craft and published writing alongside the closely analyzed production of original work by students. Opportunities for professional development as writers, teachers, and editors abound. Our prolific, dedicated faculty members have won numerous prestigious awards for their work and have served as officers in the Associated Writing Programs (AWP) and other national organizations. The MFA program in Creative Writing offers workshop courses in fiction, literary nonfiction, and poetry, emphasizing the art and craft of literary writing and concentrating on the student’s written work.

Curriculum

The minimum total hours required for the Creative Writing MFA is 36 credit hours, including a minimum of nine required credit hours of graduate writing workshop classes. Each candidate will write a book-length creative thesis. There is no nonthesis option in Creative Writing.

Prerequisites and Co-requisites

Students are required to have a proficiency in American and British Literature as reflected by completing at least one survey course in each field. Students with baccalaureate degrees in subjects other than English whose transcripts do not clearly indicate successful completion of such courses will be required to complete survey courses in British and American literature as co-requisites before the thesis defense. The particular courses that satisfy these co-requisites are selected in consultation with the MFA program director.

Required Courses—15 Credit Hours

Core—9 Credit Hours

While students are expected to concentrate their workshop study in the chief genre, multi-genre proficiency is encouraged. Additional credit hours beyond the required 9 credit hours in CRW 6025 Advanced Graduate Writing Workshop are recommended to assist the student in developing better writing and publication skills.

Additional Electives—3 Credit Hours

Thesis—6 Credit Hours

The candidate will complete a book-length manuscript of publishable quality, written and revised in CRW 6971 Thesis, that meets both departmental and university requirements for the thesis.

Practicum and Internship

Although a practicum or an internship is not required, they are encouraged to better prepare the student for their profession. These courses fulfill the 6-hour requirement in restricted electives and are listed in that category.

Independent Learning

The creative thesis, a book-length manuscript of original creative work, is the independent learning experience.

Application Requirements

For information on general UCF graduate admissions requirements that apply to all prospective students, please visit the Admissions section of the Graduate Catalog. Applicants must apply online. All requested materials must be submitted by the established deadline.

One official transcript (in a sealed envelope) from each college/university attended.

Official, competitive GRE score taken within the last five years.

Three letters of recommendation (preferably from current or former teachers).

Statement of background and goals. In the first sentence of your statement, please specify the primary genre of study (fiction, poetry, or literary nonfiction). If you were not an English major, we recommend you include a list (5-7 titles) of recently read contemporary books in the genre in which you are applying.

Résumé or CV.

A portfolio of fiction, poetry, or creative nonfiction. The portfolio must be in English and in the applicant’s primary genre (up to 15 pages of poetry, 30 pages of fiction, or 30 pages of literary nonfiction). This manuscript is the most important element of a candidate’s application. It will be evaluated by a committee of creative writing faculty to assess the candidate’s readiness for graduate study. The committee’s decision is based upon its qualitative assessment for the manuscript’s competence in standard English and originality, and the author’s demonstrated potential to succeed in the profession of creative writing.

At least one survey course in both English and American literature at the university level (may be taken while in graduate residence).

Meeting minimum UCF admission criteria does not guarantee program admission. Final admission is based on evaluation of the applicant’s abilities, past performance, recommendations, match of this program and faculty expertise to the applicant’s career/academic goals, and the applicant’s potential for completing the degree.

Application Deadlines

Creative Writing MFA

*Fall Priority

Fall

Spring

Summer

Domestic Applicants

Jan 1

Jan 1

International Applicants

Jan 1

Jan 1

*Applicants who plan to enroll full time in a degree program and who wish to be considered for university fellowships or assistantships should apply by the Fall Priority date.

Financials

Graduate students may receive financial assistance through fellowships, assistantships, tuition support, or loans. For more information, see the College of Graduate Studies Funding website, which describes the types of financial assistance available at UCF and provides general guidance in planning your graduate finances. The Financial Information section of the Graduate Catalog is another key resource.

Fellowships

Fellowships are awarded based on academic merit to highly qualified students. They are paid to students through the Office of Student Financial Assistance, based on instructions provided by the College of Graduate Studies. Fellowships are given to support a student’s graduate study and do not have a work obligation. For more information, see UCF Graduate Fellowships, which includes descriptions of university fellowships and what you should do to be considered for a fellowship.